Dermatology

Skin is your pet’s largest organ, helping them to regulate their body temperature, providing protection against the environment and allowing them to utilize their sense of touch. Since it is an external organ, it needs special care to ensure it is well-maintained. Skin also provides an indication of your pet’s overall health. With our dermatology services, we want to help maintain your pet’s skin and holistic wellbeing.

How can I take care of my pet’s skin?

Proper grooming can help ensure your pet maintains a healthy coat. Diet also plays a huge role in their skin’s health. Omega-3 fatty acid found in fish like salmon and cod, gives your pet’s coat a shiny appearance and combats inflammation. Zinc is great for helping your pet retain more water in their body, usually lost through their skin. Foods like corn and flax seeds are rich in linoleic acid, which help decrease shedding, dandruff as well as thinning and discoloured hair. Biotin and B vitamins work alongside linoleic acid to support the health of the skin’s layers (dermis and epidermis). If you have any questions about the best foods to feed your pet to support skin health, please contact us at 403-335-3519.

What are common signs of skin issues?

If your pet is lacking any of the key nutrients we discussed or has other underlying health issues, it could manifest in their skin. This might include hair/fur that is:

• Matted or greasy
• Dull or grey
• Thinning or irregular shedding
• Smelly or stinky

Why is it important for my pet to maintain healthy skin?

Having healthy skin not only ensures our pets look great, but also feel great internally. Pets’ skin is their main protection against their environment, including weather, chemicals and other objects. It also helps them to be in tune with potential dangers like heat or pain. Skin plays an integral role in maintaining the overall health of their body, including their immune system, hydration and providing storage for key nutrients.